Tribes of Goa, Name List, History, Culture, Festivals

Goa has a rich tribal heritage shaped by its forests, agrarian traditions and indigenous village communities. The state has eight notified Scheduled Tribes, of which Gawda, Kunbi and Velip are the principal tribal communities.

Major Tribes of Goa

The major tribes of Goa are Gawda, Kunbi and Velip, each preserving distinct traditions, customary institutions, festivals and traditional occupations.

Gawda Tribe

The Gawdas are regarded as one of the oldest indigenous communities of Goa and constitute the largest Scheduled Tribe in the state.

• They mainly inhabit Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona, Ponda, Dharbandora and Sattari.
• Traditionally practised kumeri (shifting cultivation) before gradually adopting settled agriculture.
• Rice cultivation, horticulture, cashew farming and collection of forest produce are the principal occupations.
• Speak Konkani with local dialectal variations.
• Celebrate Shigmo, Dhalo, Diwali and village temple festivals.
• Known for bamboo and cane handicrafts, folk music and traditional dances.
• Follow both Hinduism and Christianity.

Kunbi Tribe

The Kunbis are among Goa’s oldest agrarian communities and have contributed significantly to the state’s agricultural heritage.

• Found across several parts of North and South Goa.
• Cultivate paddy, millets, vegetables and horticultural crops.
• Known for the distinctive Kunbi sari, one of Goa’s oldest traditional handwoven garments.
• Perform the famous Kunbi Dance, an important folk dance of Goa.
• Worship village deities, Mahadev, Hanuman, Khandoba and ancestral spirits.
• Celebrate Shigmo, Chavath (Ganesh Chaturthi) and Diwali.

Velip Tribe

The Velips are a forest-based tribal community mainly concentrated in southern Goa and share close cultural ties with the Kunbis.

• Primarily found in Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona and Dharbandora.
• Traditionally it depends on agriculture, forest produce and shifting cultivation.
• Possess extensive indigenous knowledge of forests, biodiversity and medicinal plants.
• In many villages, Velip men traditionally serve as temple priests and perform ritual duties.
• Speak Konkani with local dialectal influences.
• Celebrate Shigmo, Dhalo and village temple festivals.

Other Scheduled Tribes of Goa

Besides the three major tribes, Goa’s notified Scheduled Tribes include Dhodia, Dubla (Halpati), Naikda (Talavia), Siddi (Nayaka) and Varli. These communities are primarily concentrated in neighbouring states and have only a limited population in Goa.

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Traditional Tribal Culture of Goa

Goa’s tribal communities have preserved a rich cultural heritage that reflects their close relationship with nature, agriculture and traditional village life.

• The Gaonkari (Comunidade) system is a traditional form of community-based village administration and collective land management.
• Devrai (sacred groves) are protected forest patches worshiped by local communities and help conserve biodiversity.
• Shigmo, Dhalo and Fugdi are important tribal festivals and folk traditions celebrated through colourful music, dance and community participation.
• The Ghumat, a traditional earthen percussion instrument, is an integral part of Goa’s tribal folk music and cultural performances.
• Agriculture, forests, traditional crafts and indigenous ecological knowledge continue to shape the lifestyle and cultural identity of Goa’s tribal communities.